~ See the Schedule of Picnic Dates ~
(Make Your Reservations Now!)

Poughkeepsie… Dutchess County Executive William R. Steinhaus has announced the 2011 Senior Socials with Chicken Bar-B-Que program.  Residents age 60 and over are invited to mingle and enjoy a free chicken bar-b-que lunch at a picnic in their local area. The Senior Socials are a great opportunity to learn more about the programs and services offered by the Division of Aging Services as well as other County divisions such as Veterans Services.  All picnics begin at 12 noon.

“Summer is almost here and that means it is time for our senior picnic program,” said County Executive Steinhaus. “Thousands of seniors throughout our county look forward to this annual summer tradition of getting together for some food, fellowship and fun.     This program is just one of the many ways we promote the positive correlation between socialization and healthy aging.”

The annual Senior Socials with Chicken Bar-B-Que program kicks off this year on June 15th at Wilcox Park. Residents age 60 and over are invited to come out and socialize with their friends and neighbors at the event designated for their hometown and learn more about the programs and services offered by the Division of Aging Services.  Other County departments such as Division of Veterans Services as well as several non-profit organizations of interest to seniors will also be on hand. 

The Senior Socials with Chicken Bar-B-Que program is part of the Division of Aging Service’s federally funded nutrition program. County Executive Steinhaus kicked off the picnic program in 1993 as a fun way for seniors to get together and enjoy a meal in a social atmosphere.  
 
Last year the Office for the Aging served approximately 5000 seniors during its summer gatherings. These summer picnics were made possible through private and public partnerships, including support from many of the local municipalities as well as local businesses.

There will be 10 picnics throughout the summer held at various parks in the county.  The picnics are open to senior residents and their guests of the village/town(s) specified for each event. Space is limited, therefore reservations and proof of residency are required. There is a $4 charge for anyone 59 or younger or non-resident guests for all local picnics.

The 2011 Senior Social picnic program schedule is as follows:

• June 15  - Towns of Clinton, Northeast, Pine Plains, Milan, Red Hook & Stanford event to be held at Wilcox Park located on Route 199 in Milan.
  
  
• June 22  - Pleasant Valley event to be held at Cady Field Park located at 1554 Main Street in Pleasant Valley
  
  
• June 29 - Rhinebeck & Hyde Park event to be held at Dutchess County Fairgrounds located at 6550 Springbrook Avenue in Rhinebeck
  
  
• July 13 - Wappinger event to be held at Recreation Park located at 95 Robinson Lane in Wappinger.
  
  
• July 27 - Fishkill & Beacon event to be held at Sarah Taylor Park located at 17 Old Main Street in Fishkill.
  
  
• August 3 - Town of Poughkeepsie event to be held at Bowdoin Park located at 85 Sheafe Road in Poughkeepsie.
  
  
• August 10 - City of Poughkeepsie event to be held at Waryas Park located at 75 North Water Street in Poughkeepsie.
  
  
• August 17 - Dover, Amenia, Washington & Pawling event to be held at Boyce Park located at 6423 Route 55 in Wingdale.
  
  
• August 25 - East Fishkill & Beekman event to be held at Whortlekill Rod & Gun Club located at 540 Route 376 in Hopewell Junction
  
  
• August 31 - LaGrange & Unionvale event to be held at Freedom Park located at 198 Skidmore Road  in LaGrange.

To make a reservation for their local picnic, seniors can call the Dutchess County Division of Aging Services at (845) 486-2555 or email agingservices@co.dutchess.ny.us. 

~ Picnic Poem (.pdf)